Wait… HOW MUCH Does the New C8 Corvette Weigh???

C8 has definitely gained some weight, but would you be willing to give up amenities to bring that number down?

It’s a well-known fact that compared to today’s modern muscle cars, the Corvette has always been a lightweight. And that’s part of the car’s appeal, of course. Today’s vehicles are ridiculously heavy compared to the stuff we used to be able to buy. Mostly thanks to the addition of technology and safety equipment. Despite this, the fiberglass-boded Corvette has remained fairly trim, and that only helps the driving experience. As far as the C8 goes, well, we’ve seen a variety of weights reported by a variety of sources. The latest comes to us fromCorvette Forum member kong, who recently put his own C8 on the scales.

“I have a Z51 and Mag ride-equipped 3LT. When I deducted for the gas that was in the car (about 8 gallons) and using digital scales, the weight came to 3,534 pounds. The power-to-weight ratio is 7.14. For comparison, my 2010 ZR1 was 326 pounds lighter, and with its 638 hp, had a power-to-weight ratio of 5.22. Just for kicks, I took the 638 hp and used the weight of my C8 to get a ratio of 5.57. Now many of us know how fast the ZR1 was. If the Z06 has 650 hp or better and does not pick up any more weight, it should be very fast, and that is what I am ultimately looking forward to.”

It’s no surprise that the Corvette gained a bit of weight gen-over-gen, as most cars usually do. But folks like ZoratZ06 obviously pine for the old days, when the Corvette was a few hundred pounds lighter.

“It’s a shame these cars keep getting heavier. Love everything about my ’19 M7 ZR1 except the weight. I wish it was 3,200-3,300 pounds. I understand weight savings like those in a McLaren are extremely expensive to achieve, but the extra 300-500 pounds is very noticeable. Having said all of that, I agree the C8 Z06 will be a beast. Straight line will be impressive, but I’m most interested in its track performance.” 

And as rrsperry points out, GM could certainly trim weight off the C8, but then who would buy one?

“Well they could keep the weight down. Just almost nobody would buy it. Remove things like zillion way power, heated and vented leather seats, leather interiors, heated steering wheels, power folding mirrors, 14 speakers and stereo systems, noise insulation, stupid heavy 19″ and 20″ wheels and tires. Dual zone air conditioning, GPS, On Star. You get the idea.”

Yes, most Corvette owners obviously appreciate the little luxurious touches and amenities the C8 offers. But wouldn’t it also be nice to have the option to buy a stripped-down, lightweight version, too? Whether you agree or not, be sure and head over here and tell us why or why not!

Photos: Corvette Forum